Track assembly for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A track assembly for a rail-mounted component of a vehicle includes a rail cartridge slidably coupled with a track and defines a first slot. A first electrical connector is positioned within the rail cartridge. A connection cartridge defines a channel. The connection cartridge includes first and second sidewalls joined by a bottom wall. A second electrical connector is positioned within the channel and is configured to selectively engage with the first electrical connector. An actuation member is positioned within the channel and is movable between first and second positions. The actuation member is biased to the first position. An actuator is operably coupled with the actuation member to selectively move the actuation member into the second position against the bias.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/574,906, filed on Sep. 18, 2019, entitled “TRACK ASSEMBLY FOR AVEHICLE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a track assembly, and morespecifically, to a track assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Modern vehicle seats are often adjusted within or removed from avehicle. This adjustability and removability needs to accommodateelectrical connections between the vehicle seat and the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a track assemblyfor a rail-mounted component of a vehicle includes a rail cartridgeslidably coupled with a track and defines a first slot. A firstelectrical connector is positioned within the rail cartridge. Aconnection cartridge defines a channel. The connection cartridgeincludes first and second sidewalls joined by a bottom wall. A secondelectrical connector is positioned within the channel and is configuredto selectively engage with the first electrical connector. An actuationmember is positioned within the channel and is movable between first andsecond positions. The actuation member is biased to the first position.An actuator is operably coupled with the actuation member to selectivelymove the actuation member into the second position against the bias.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   a coupling protrusion that extends from a first end of the        connection cartridge and is received by a first receiving space        of the rail cartridge;    -   a retention feature that extends from one of the first and        second sidewalls of the connection cartridge and receives the        actuation member;    -   links that are operably coupled with the second electrical        connector and the actuation member;    -   a latch that is configured to engage a striker positioned        proximate a second receiving space to couple the connection        cartridge with the rail cartridge; and    -   the first and second electrical connectors are electrically        engaged when the latch is engaged with the striker.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a trackassembly, includes a rail cartridge that is slidably coupled with atrack and defines a slot. A first electrical connector is positionedwithin the rail cartridge below the slot. A connection cartridge definesa channel and includes a second electrical connector positioned withinthe channel and configured to selectively engage with the firstelectrical connector. An actuation member has a first end that iscoupled with the second electrical connector. The connection cartridgealso includes a biasing member that urges the actuation member to afirst position. The actuation member is moved to a second position whenan actuator contacts the rail cartridge of the track.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   a latch that is coupled with the connection cartridge and        configured to receive a striker positioned on the rail        cartridge;    -   the latch is further configured to couple the connection        cartridge with the rail cartridge;    -   a seal that is positioned about a periphery of the slot;    -   the first and second electrical connectors are configured to        transfer data to and from a vehicle to a rail-mounted component;    -   the track includes first and second lateral walls each with a        C-shape;    -   the rail cartridge is positioned between and substantially flush        with each of the first and second lateral walls;    -   the connection cartridge is coupled with a storage unit; and    -   the first and second electrical connectors are configured to        transfer power to and from a vehicle to a rail-mounted        component.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a track assemblyincludes a rail cartridge slidably coupled with a track. A firstelectrical connector is positioned within the rail cartridge. Aconnection cartridge defines a channel and includes a second electricalconnector configured to selectively engage with the first electricalconnector. An actuation member is positioned within the channel of theconnection cartridge and coupled with the second electrical connector.The actuation member is movable between first and second positions. Anactuator is operably coupled with the actuation member. The actuator ismoved upward to move the actuation member to the second position whenthe actuator contacts the rail cartridge of the track.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the actuator includes a tab that extends downward from the        connection cartridge and the tab is configured to abut a top        wall of the rail cartridge;    -   the connection cartridge further includes a latch coupled with        an end of the connection cartridge;    -   a striker is positioned within the rail cartridge proximate a        receiving space and the latch is configured to engage the        striker;    -   a biasing member that urges the actuation member to the first        position; and    -   the biasing member is fixed when the latch is in an unlocked        position and the biasing member is rotatable when the latch is        in a locked position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or inschematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a pair of seating assembliescoupled with a track assembly, according to various examples;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a single track assembly prior toengagement with a seating assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a cabin of a vehicle including a trackassembly, according to various examples;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a track assembly when a connectioncartridge is disengaged from a rail cartridge;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connection cartridge disengagedfrom a rail cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a track assembly when a connectioncartridge is engaged with a rail cartridge; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a connection cartridge engaged witha rail cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a track assembly.Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent likeelements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 2. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally designates atrack assembly for use in a vehicle 14. The track assembly 10 is used tocouple a rail-mounted component 12 within the vehicle 14 and includes atrack 18 and a rail cartridge 22. The rail cartridge 22 is slidablycoupled within the track 18 and defines a first slot 26. A firstelectrical connector 30 is positioned within the rail cartridge 22. Thefirst electrical connector 30 may be configured to at least partiallyextend into and/or through the first slot 26. A connection cartridge 34defines a channel 38 and is selectively coupled with the rail cartridge22. The connection cartridge 34 includes first and second sidewalls 42,46 that are joined by a bottom wall 50. The bottom wall 50 defines asecond slot 54 in communication with the channel 38. A second electricalconnector 58 is positioned within the channel 38 and may be configuredto selectively extend through the second slot 54. An actuation member 62is positioned within the channel 38 and is movable between a firstposition and a second position. A spring 66 is also positioned withinthe channel 38 and is operably coupled to the actuation member 62. Thespring 66 is configured to bias the actuation member 62 into the firstposition. An actuator 70 extends through the bottom wall 50 and isoperably coupled with the actuation member 62. The actuation member 62is moved to the second position when the actuator 70 is compressed bycontact with the rail cartridge 22. A latch 74 extends from theconnection cartridge 34 and is configured to couple with the connectioncartridge 34 and the rail cartridge 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 14 may be provided with aplurality of rail-mounted components 12 slidably coupled with the trackassembly 10. The rail-mounted components 12 may be, but are not limitedto, seating assemblies, floor consoles, center consoles, storage unitsthat include multiple storage compartments, and the like. In variousexamples, the rail-mounted component 12 may be removably coupled withthe track assembly 10 by rail cartridges 22 and connection cartridges34, as discussed herein.

Each of the rail-mounted components 12 may be slidably coupled with afloor 82 of the vehicle 14 by the track assembly 10. Each track assembly10 may include one or more tracks 18. The tracks 18 may be positioned inspaced-apart pairs within the vehicle 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2. The tracks 18 may extend from a front of the cabin 94 of the vehicle14 to a rear of the cabin 94 of the vehicle 14, or may extend onlypartially through the cabin 94 of the vehicle 14. The tracks 18 can bearranged along longitudinal, lateral, and/or angular (e.g., diagonal)directions within the cabin 94. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tracks 18are aligned in a longitudinal direction within the cabin 94, and thetrack assemblies 10, as arranged, are parallel to a longitudinal axis 96of the vehicle 14. Each track 18 may be integrally formed with the floor82 of the vehicle 14. Alternatively, each track 18 may be coupled withthe floor 82 of the vehicle 14. The tracks 18 may be positioned beneatha floor cover of the vehicle 14, or the tracks 18 may extend above thefloor cover of the vehicle 14 and protrude into the cabin 94 of thevehicle 14. In other words, the tracks 18 of the track assemblies 10 maybe visible or hidden, depending on the configuration the vehicle 14. Itwill be understood that the track assemblies 10 and tracks 18 may beused in any vehicle 14 including, for example, coupes, sedans, sportutility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, etc. It will further be understood thatthe configuration of the tracks 18 of the track assemblies 10 may beadjusted to accommodate the vehicle type.

Referring now to FIG. 2, where the rail-mounted components 12 areseating assemblies 78, the seating assemblies 78 may be positioned atvarious locations along the tracks 18, and may be translatable along thetracks 18 within the vehicle 14. Each seating assembly 78 includes aseat base 98 operably coupled with a seatback 102. The seat base 98 andthe seatback 102 may be pivotably coupled to one another by way of acarrier 106. The carrier 106 may be directly coupled to the trackassembly 10 (e.g., by anchors). Alternatively, the carrier 106 may becoupled to the track assembly 10 indirectly. For example, the carrier106 may be coupled with a carriage 110 that may be integrally formedwith, or coupled with, one or more connection cartridges 34.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, one or more rail cartridges 22 may be slidablycoupled with each of the tracks 18 of the track assembly 10. Each of therail cartridges 22 may be movable along the respective track 18 in aforward or rearward direction through the cabin 94 of the vehicle 14.According to various examples, the rail cartridges 22 may be positionedin pairs and may be configured to move along the respective track 18 atthe same rate so that the rail cartridges 22 within the pair of railcartridges 22 remain aligned. It will be understood that each track 18is uniform in size, shape, and engagement and is interchangeable withany other track 18. It will be further understood that each railcartridge 22 is uniform in size, shape, and engagement and isinterchangeable with any other rail cartridge 22.

With reference now to FIGS. 4-7, a track assembly 10 that has a track18, rail cartridge 22, and connection cartridge 34 is exemplarilyillustrated. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the tracks 18 includesfirst and second lateral walls 114, 118 that are joined by a bottom wall126. Each of the first and second lateral walls 114, 118 includes a topportion 122 and may be generally C-shaped, such that the top portion 122of each lateral wall 114, 118 is substantially parallel with the bottomwall 126. Each of the first and second lateral walls 114, 118 mayfurther include an interior lip 128 that extends from the respective topportion 122 toward the bottom wall 126. The first lateral wall 114 ofeach of the tracks 18 defines a first lateral channel 138 configured toreceive an electrical conductor assembly 130. The electrical conductorassembly 130 is configured to provide power and/or data to the seatingassembly 78 (FIG. 2). The second lateral wall 118 defines a secondlateral channel 142 configured to receive a motor and gear assembly 134.A central channel 150 is also defined by the track 18 between the firstand second lateral channels 138, 142. In various examples, the bottomwall 126 may include a step 144 configured to further define the centralchannel 150. The central channel 150 is in communication with each ofthe first and second lateral channels 138, 142 and is configured toreceive one or more of the rail cartridges 22.

The rail cartridge 22 may be an elongated member that includes a topwall 146 that extends between the first and second sidewalls 42, 46. Forexample, each rail cartridge 22 may have a U-shaped cross-section. Whenthe rail cartridge 22 is received by the central channel 150 of thetrack 18, the rail cartridge 22 fits within the track 18, such that thefirst and second lateral channels 138, 142 and the central channel 150are generally inaccessible without removal of the rail cartridge 22. Inother words, the rail cartridge 22 substantially encloses the centralchannel 150 of the track 18 along the length of the rail cartridge 22.The top wall 146 of the rail cartridge 22 is aligned with the topportion 122 of each of the first and second lateral walls 114, 118 ofthe track 18. Further, the interior lips 128 of the first and secondlateral walls 114, 118 may be positioned flush with the respectivesidewalls 148, 152 of the rail cartridge 22.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-7, the top wall 146 of the rail cartridge 22may define first and second receiving spaces 154, 158 positionedproximate opposing ends of the rail cartridge 22. The first slot 26 isdefined between, and spaced apart from, the first and second receivingspaces 154, 158. In various examples, the first and second receivingspaces 154, 158 and the first slot 26 may be substantially similar insize. In other examples, the first slot 26 may have a larger area thanthe first and second receiving spaces 154, 158, or the first slot 26 mayhave a smaller area than the first and second receiving spaces 154, 158.The first and second receiving spaces 154, 158 may be substantially thesame, or may vary in dimensions from one another.

The first electrical connector 30 may be positioned within the railcartridge 22 and may be enclosed within the central channel 150. Thefirst electrical connector 30 may be operably coupled with a supporthousing 162 configured to guide the positioning of the first electricalconnector 30. The support housing 162 may be generally J-shaped, asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, and may extend through, or beneath, one ofthe first and second sidewalls 42, 46 of the rail cartridge 22. Thesupport housing 162 may further be configured to couple the firstelectrical connector 30 with the conductor assembly 130 positionedwithin the first lateral channel 138 of the respective track 18. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the first electrical connector 30 may beconfigured to be a brush card connector. However, it will be understoodthat the first electrical connector 30 may be any electrical connectorconfigured to transfer power and/or data to the seating assembly 78(FIG. 2).

The support housing 162 is positioned within the central channel 150,such that the first electrical connector 30 is aligned with the firstslot 26 of the rail cartridge 22. In various examples, the firstelectrical connector 30 may extend upward through the first slot 26. Inother examples, the first electrical connector 30 may be received by thefirst slot 26, such that the first electrical connector 30 is flush withthe top wall 146 of the rail cartridge 22. In still other examples, thefirst electrical connector 30 may be fully received by the centralchannel 150, such that the first electrical connector 30 is positionedbelow the first slot 26 but does not extend into, or through, the firstslot 26.

In some examples, a first seal 164 may be positioned about the firstslot 26 and coupled with the top wall 146 of the respective railcartridge 22. The first seal 164 may be configured to seal the firstslot 26 to prevent liquid ingress around the first electrical connector30 and into the central channel 150. In other examples, the first seal164 may be positioned over the first slot 26 such that one or both ofthe first or second electrical connectors 30, 58 are configured to passthrough the first seal 164 to create a liquid-tight seal.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, as discussed above, the connection cartridge34 may be coupled with a rail-mounted component 12 such as the seatingassembly 78. For example, the connection cartridge 34 may be operablycoupled with the seat base 98 of the seating assembly 78. Alternatively,the connection cartridge 34 may be operably coupled with the carrier 106or the carriage 110. It will be understood that the connection cartridge34 has the same size, shape, and engagement method as any otherconnection cartridge 34 of the track assembly 10, such that theconnection cartridge 34 may be coupled with any one of the railcartridges 22 of the track assembly 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-7, the connection cartridge 34 includes thefirst and second sidewalls 42, 46 that are joined by the bottom wall 50to define the upper channel 38. The bottom wall 50 of the connectioncartridges 34 define the second slot 54, which is in communication withthe upper channel 38. The second slot 54 may be sized to complement thefirst slot 26 of the rail cartridge 22. When the connection cartridge 34is engaged with the rail cartridge 22, the first slot 26 and the secondslot 54 are aligned.

The second electrical connector 58 is positioned within the upperchannel 38 of the connection cartridge 34. The second electricalconnector 58 is aligned with the second slot 54 and is configured to beengaged with the first electrical connector 30 of the rail cartridge 22.As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the second electrical connector 58 is abrush card connector. However, it will be understood that the secondelectrical connector 58 may be any electrical connector configured totransfer power and/or data to the seating assembly 78 (FIG. 2). It willfurther be understood that the first and second electrical connectors30, 58 are selected such that the first and second electrical connectors30, 58 may be electrically engaged.

In some examples, the second electrical connector 58 may include asecond seal 178 that is coupled with a periphery of the secondelectrical connector 58. The second seal 178 is configured to seal thesecond slot 54 to prevent liquid ingress around the second electricalconnector 58. In other examples, the second seal 178 may be positionedabout the periphery of the second slot 54 or over the second slot 54such that the second electrical connector 58 is configured to passthrough the seal 178 to create a liquid-tight seal around the secondelectrical connector 58.

The actuation member 62 is positioned within the upper channel 38 of theconnection cartridge 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the actuationmember 62 includes first and second arms 180A, 180B that are operablycoupled at a central pivot 190. A first end 182 of the actuation member62 is an end of the first arm 180A opposite the central pivot 190, and asecond end 184 of the actuation member 62 is an end of the second arm180B opposite the central pivot 190. Alternatively, the actuation member62 may be a single arm that includes both of the first and second ends182, 184.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 7, the first end 182 of the actuationmember 62 is operably coupled with the second electrical connector 58.As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, links 186 may be hingedly coupled withopposing sides of the second electrical connector 58. The links 186 mayalso be hingedly coupled with the actuation member 62 proximate thefirst end 182 of the actuation member 62. The links 186 are configuredto remain parallel as the links 186 are rotated and are furtherconfigured to couple the second electrical connector 58 with theactuation member 62.

The actuation member 62 is movable between a first and second positions,configured to raise and lower the second electrical connector 58 throughthe second slot 54, respectively. When the actuation member 62 is in thefirst position, the first end 182 of the actuation member 62 is alignedwith the first electrical connector 30, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thelinks 186 are angled so that the second electrical connector 58 is fullyreceived within the upper channel 38 of the connection cartridge 34.When the actuation member 62 is in the second position, the first end182 of the actuation member 62 extends past the second electricalconnector 58. The adjustment of the first end 182 beyond the secondelectrical connector 58 is configured to rotate the links 186 to extendvertically from the actuation member 62. The vertical positioning of thelinks 186 pushes the second electrical connector 58 downward through atleast the second slot 54 of the connection cartridge 34.

With reference again to FIGS. 5 and 7, the latch assembly 194 is coupledwith each of the connection cartridges 34. The latch assembly 194 ispositioned on the connection cartridge 34 and/or may be at leastpartially received within the upper channel 38. The latch assembly 194includes at least the latch 74 protruding from the connection cartridge34 and the spring 66 positioned within the upper channel 38. The spring66 is operably coupled with the second end 184 of the actuator member 62and is movable between a neutral state and a rotated state. In theneutral state, the spring 66 is configured to bias the actuation member62 into the first position. It will be understood that the spring 66 maybe any spring configured to be operably coupled with the latch assembly194.

Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 7, in various examples, one of the firstand second sidewalls 42, 46 of the connection cartridge 34 includes aretention feature 200. The retention feature 200 is configured to extendfrom an interior surface of one of the first and second sidewalls 42, 46and into the upper channel 38. The retention feature 200 may beintegrally formed with one of the first or second sidewalls 42, 46, ormay be operably coupled with one of the first and second sidewalls 42,46. The retention feature 200 is configured to guide and/or retain theactuation member 62 within the upper channel 38 to prevent inadvertentdisconnection of the actuation member 62 from any one of the spring 66,the actuator 70, and/or the second electrical connector 58.

The bottom wall 50 of the connection cartridge 34 may further define anactuator aperture 174 configured to receive the actuator 70. In someexamples, the actuator aperture 174 may be defined by an upwardlyextending protrusion 202 of the bottom wall 50. The actuator 70 isoperably coupled with the actuation member 62 between the first andsecond ends 182, 184 of the actuation member 62, and extends from theactuation member 62 to be at least partially received by the actuatoraperture 174. It is contemplated that the actuator aperture 174 may besealed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the actuator 70 is positioned proximatethe second end 184 and includes a tab 206. The tab 206 is positionedthrough the actuator aperture 174 to extend beyond the bottom wall 50 ofthe connection cartridge 34. In various examples, the tab 206 may bepositioned within a housing 208, and the housing 208 may be positionedthrough the actuator aperture 174 to guide the positioning of the tab206. The tab 206 is movable between a compressed state and adecompressed state. The compressed state of the tab 206 corresponds withthe locked position of the latch assembly 194. When the connectioncartridge 34 is disengaged from the rail cartridge 22, the tab 206 is inthe decompressed state. When the connection cartridge 34 is engaged withthe rail cartridge 22, the tab 206 is configured to abut the top wall146 of the rail cartridge 22. The contact of the tab 206 with the topwall 146 moves the tab 206 into the compressed state.

A coupling protrusion 214 extends downward from a first end 210 of theconnection cartridge 34. The coupling protrusion 214 is positioned to bereceived by the first receiving space 154 of the rail cartridge 22. Asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the coupling protrusion 214 issubstantially hook shaped, and is configured to engage with a firststriker 218 of the rail cartridge 22. The first striker 218 ispositioned within the central channel 150 of the respective railcartridge 22 proximate the first receiving space 154. It is contemplatedthat the coupling protrusion 214 may be any shape or style of protrusion(e.g., a secondary latch, U-shaped hook, etc.) configured to couple theconnection cartridge 34 with the rail cartridge 22. It is furthercontemplated that the coupling protrusion 214 may be coupled with anyreceiving feature positioned within the rail cartridge 22 proximate thefirst receiving space 154, without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 7, the latch 74 of the latch assembly 194extends from a second end 212 of the connection cartridge 34 and ispositioned to be received by the second receiving space 158 of the railcartridge 22. The latch 74 is configured to engage with a second striker226 positioned proximate the second receiving space 158. It iscontemplated that the latch assembly 194 may be any form of latchassembly configured to be operably coupled with the spring 66, and thelatch 74 may be any latch for such a latch assembly. It is furthercontemplated that the latch 74 may be coupled with any receiving featurepositioned within the rail cartridge 22 proximate the second receivingspace 158 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The latch assembly 194 is operable between a locked position and anunlocked position. When the latch 74 is not fully engaged with thesecond striker 226, the latch assembly 194 is in the unlocked position.Once the latch 74 is fully engaged with the second striker 226, thelatch assembly 194 is in the locked position. In various examples, whenthe latch assembly 194 is in the unlocked position, the spring 66coupled with the actuation member 62 may be fixed so that the spring 66remains in the neutral state. When the latch assembly 194 is in thelocked position, the spring 66 is released and may be rotated againstthe bias by force acting on the actuation member 62, as discussed below.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the rail cartridge 22 may be operablycoupled with the track 18. When the rail cartridge 22 is operablycoupled with the track 18, the first electrical connector 30 may beelectrically connected with, and configured to transmit power and/ordata from, the vehicle 14. For installation of the seating assembly 78within the vehicle 14, one or more connection cartridges 34 may becoupled with the seating assembly 78, as discussed previously. Each ofthe connection cartridges 34 is positioned such that the second slot 54of the connection cartridge 34 is aligned with the first slot 26 of therail cartridge 22. The coupling protrusion 214 of the connectioncartridge 34 is then inserted into the first receiving space 154 of therail cartridge 22 until the coupling protrusion 214 receives the firststriker 218. The connection cartridge 34 is rotated about the firststriker 218, as illustrated by arrow A in FIGS. 5 and 7, until the latch74 is received by the second receiving space 158 of the rail cartridge22. As the latch 74 is received by the second receiving space 158, thelatch 74 is also engaged with the second striker 226 to move the latchassembly 194 into the locked position.

As the latch 74 is received by the second receiving space 158, the tab206 of the actuator 70 and biased upward, as illustrated by arrow B(FIGS. 5 and 7). When the second striker 226 is fully engaged with thelatch 74 and the latch assembly 194 is in the locked position, thespring 66 is released and the tab 206 is in the compressed state. Therelease of the spring 66 by the latch assembly 194 allows the upwardmovement of the tab 206 to bias the actuation member 62 upward into thesecond position, rotating the spring 66 against the bias of the spring66, as illustrated by arrow C (FIGS. 5 and 7). Rotation of the spring 66translates the second end 184 of the actuation member 62 toward thefirst end 210 of the connection cartridge 34. This movementsimultaneously pushes the first end 182 of the actuation member 62forward, moving the actuation member 62 into the second position.

As discussed above, the movement of the actuation member 62 into thesecond position biases the first end 182 of the actuation member 62toward the first end 210 of the connection cartridge 34 and past thesecond electrical connector 58, as illustrated by arrow D in FIGS. 5 and7. The links 186 are rotated to be vertically oriented when theactuation member 62 is moved forward. The second electrical connector 58is lowered through the second slot 54 of the connection cartridge 34 bythe rotation of the links 186. In some examples, the second electricalconnector 58 may further be lowered through the first slot 26 of therespective rail cartridge 22 until the second electrical connector 58engages with the first electrical connector 30. When the first andsecond electrical connectors 30, 58 are fully engaged, power and/or datamay be transferred from the vehicle 14 to the seating assembly 78.

This configuration allows for easy interchanging and moving of theseating assemblies 78 for various vehicle uses while still providingpower and/or data transfer through the track assembly 10. For example,the seating assemblies 78 may be readily moved forward and rearwardwithin the vehicle 14 and/or may be removed from the vehicle 14,allowing for flexibility in the interior configuration of the vehicle14. Likewise, the uniform use of the connection cartridges 34 and railcartridges 22 allows for the seating assemblies 78 to be readilyinterchangeable without having to adjust the hardware of the vehicle 14.The engagement between the rail cartridge 22 and the respective track 18further provides protection to the first and second electricalconnectors 30, 58 and the conductor assembly 130 to prevent dirt,debris, and/or liquid from entering the track assembly 10.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A track assembly for a rail-mounted component ofa vehicle comprising: a rail cartridge slidably coupled with a track anddefining a first slot; a first electrical connector positioned withinthe rail cartridge; and a connection cartridge defining a channel,wherein the connection cartridge includes: first and second sidewallsjoined by a bottom wall; a second electrical connector positioned withinthe channel and configured to selectively engage with the firstelectrical connector; an actuation member positioned within the channeland movable between first and second positions, wherein the actuationmember is biased to the first position; and an actuator operably coupledwith the actuation member to selectively move the actuation member intothe second position against the bias.
 2. The track assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a coupling protrusion extending from a first end ofthe connection cartridge and received by a first receiving space of therail cartridge.
 3. The track assembly of claim 1, further comprising: aretention feature that extends from one of the first and secondsidewalls of the connection cartridge and receives the actuation member.4. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein links are operably coupledwith the second electrical connector and the actuation member.
 5. Thetrack assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a latch configured toengage a striker positioned proximate a second receiving space to couplethe connection cartridge with the rail cartridge.
 6. The track assemblyof claim 5, wherein the first and second electrical connectors areelectrically engaged when the latch is engaged with the striker.
 7. Atrack assembly, comprising: a rail cartridge slidably coupled with atrack and defining a slot; a first electrical connector positionedwithin the rail cartridge below the slot; and a connection cartridgedefining a channel and including: a second electrical connectorpositioned within the channel and configured to selectively engage withthe first electrical connector; an actuation member having a first endthat is coupled with the second electrical connector; and a biasingmember that urges the actuation member to a first position, wherein theactuation member is moved to a second position when an actuator contactsthe rail cartridge of the track.
 8. The track assembly of claim 7,further comprising: a latch coupled with the connection cartridge andconfigured to receive a striker positioned on the rail cartridge.
 9. Thetrack assembly of claim 8, wherein the latch is further configured tocouple the connection cartridge with the rail cartridge.
 10. The trackassembly of claim 7, further comprising: a seal positioned about aperiphery of the slot.
 11. The track assembly of claim 7, wherein thefirst and second electrical connectors are configured to transfer datato and from a vehicle to a rail-mounted component.
 12. The trackassembly of claim 7, wherein the track includes first and second lateralwalls each having a C-shape, and further wherein the rail cartridge ispositioned between and substantially flush with each of the first andsecond lateral walls.
 13. The track assembly of claim 7, wherein theconnection cartridge is coupled with a storage unit.
 14. The trackassembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second electrical connectorsare configured to transfer power to and from a vehicle to a rail-mountedcomponent.
 15. A track assembly, comprising: a rail cartridge slidablycoupled with a track; a first electrical connector positioned within therail cartridge; and a connection cartridge defining a channel andincluding: a second electrical connector configured to selectivelyengage with the first electrical connector; an actuation memberpositioned within the channel of the connection cartridge and coupledwith the second electrical connector, the actuation member movablebetween first and second positions; and an actuator operably coupledwith the actuation member, wherein the actuator is moved upward to movethe actuation member to the second position when the actuator contactsthe rail cartridge of the track.
 16. The track assembly of claim 15,wherein the actuator includes a tab extending downward from theconnection cartridge, the tab configured to abut a top wall of the railcartridge.
 17. The track assembly of claim 15, wherein the connectioncartridge further includes a latch coupled with an end of the connectioncartridge.
 18. The track assembly of claim 17, further comprising: astriker positioned within the rail cartridge proximate a receivingspace, wherein the latch is configured to engage the striker.
 19. Thetrack assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a biasing member thaturges the actuation member to the first position.
 20. The track assemblyof claim 19, wherein the biasing member is fixed when the latch is in anunlocked position, and further wherein the biasing member is rotatablewhen the latch is in a locked position.